‘Bharat bhaai kapi se urin ham naahin.’ Indian greatest epic Ramayan will be of little importance if I take out the character of Hanuman from it. The entire Sunderkand describes his bravery. Hanuman is among seven immortals and always ready to solve our problems. Ghosts, diseases and all sorrows fly away hearing his name. He is Mahaveer (great brave). He was only person to jump the sea. He is the sea of understanding and intelligence. Bravery is useful and world’s welfare when it is full of knowledge and brainpower. In the very childhood, he swallowed the sun, which shows his strength. He is one among the Lord Shiva’s eleven form (Ekaadash Rudra). He can do everything but he never shows his power himself. When someone makes recall his memory, he shows his strength publicly. Even being the universe’s greatest powerful person, he has taken the role of servant on the world’s stage. This shows his complete egoless state. We ordinary people feel ashamed in taking role of inferior persons for a few hours on a stage. I remember my school period when I with my village friends performed dramas on the village stage. One of my friends belonged to a rich family but he was performing the role of a beggar. Another friend who belonged to a poor family was acting as a king. The beggar had spread his hands before the king. The beggar’s father (actual father) was in the viewers. The scene seemed unbearable to him. He silently stood from the audience and went in the backside of the curtain. No one noticed him. He at once came on the stage shouting, “Was this only role for you? The poor Balchanmaa’s son is king and you are beggar.” Moreover, he started beating his son by a cane stick.
Hanumaan’s actions are imitable. Although he has all power, he never proclaims his own strength. He always gives credit to the grace of Lord Rama. He utters himself a simple servant. When he departs from Lanka after burning it completely, he tells Sita, “Although I have capacity to kill all the giants of Lanka and take you to Rama but I have no order of my lord.” This is teaching to all servants that they should only follow the orders of lord. They should never take decision of their own. Without proper order of the lord, the servant should follow the prevailing rules only.
Hanuman moves fastest in the universe. He is easily approachable and becomes pleased easily. Servant is always easier than his owner. That is why his statues are everywhere. If we count, his number will be the greatest of all gods. His japas (recitations his mantras) “ Ohm Shree Pawan nandanaayasswaahaa” cures from every disturbances and provides success, the quickest. He is the most favorite god of students. I am recalling my student life. Whenever examination started, we gathered in hanuman temple regularly. Before exam and after that, that was our regular duty. The crowd of railway station Hanuman temple (the old temple was very small compared to present grand temple) at Patna, is unforgettable.
The Shankatmochan temple of Benares is worldwide famous. Once Sharma R. B. visited the temple with family. His daughter with her newborn baby was also with him. A hanuman (monkey) jumped on his daughter and took her child. It went to the top of a tree with the baby. Sharma’s wife and daughter started to weep loudly. People gathered. Someone told a clue. Some fruits and sweets were kept on a leaf under the tree. All went away a little distance and began to recite Hanumaan Chaalishaa. To their great surprise, the monkey came down slowly, put the child on the ground, took the fruits and sweets and fled away. Sharma’s wife took the child. Happiness came on everyone’s face.
Once I went to Kathmandu. Amarnath, Jitendra and Bhogee babu were also with me. We went to visit the famous Pashupatinath temple. Everyone took some sweets in the hand as offerings and started to move towards the temple. A big monkey jumped on Jitendra who was rearmost in the row and took his offerings. After worshipping, we went across the river Baagmati towards Guhyeshwari temple. We were passing through a dense forest on a hummock. Suddenly we found that we were surrounded by thousands monkeys. We became afraid. The mistake and reason were detected. Amarnath had thrown some small balls of sweets before one monkey. Seeing this, so many had gathered to have the same. They were closing the circuit and we were becoming more afraid. A giant monkey jumped over Amaranth. He threw the bag. The monkeys themselves became afraid and fled away a few distance. I at once jumped and took the bag. To my surprise, all the money was in the bag. Amarnath was our cashier. Had the monkeys taken away the bag, what would have been to us? I opened the bag and showed it to the monkeys. Took out money and put it in the pocket. Then showing to the monkeys, threw all small sweet balls towards them. Then again showed the empty bag. They understood and became busy in collecting sweet balls and stopped chasing us. We easily proceeded ahead.
Tulsidas got the vision of Ram and Lakshaman by the help of Hanuman at Chitrakoot. Once he saw two handsome princes walking on horses. He did not identify them. Hanumanjee told him about them. He started repenting. Hanuman consoled and told that he could see them the next morning. On Vikram Era 1607, Mauni Amavashya, Wednessday, Ram appeared as a child. He begged sandal from Tulsi. Hanuman thinking that he might not recognize that time also, took the form of a parrot and orated this poem, “ Chitrakoot ke ghaat par, bhai santan kee bheer; Tulsidaas chandan ghise, tilak det Raghuveer.” Tusidaas, seeing the amazing face, became senseless. Ram took the sandal by his own hand, put it on his and tulsi’s foreheads and disappeared.
We can win all problems, become fearless from diseases and ghosts by reciting his name. ----------Ohm Shree Pawan Nandanaayasswaahaa.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
SARASWATI POOJA
“Roop youvan sampanna, vishaal kul sambhavah; vidyaaheenaa na shobhante, nirgandhaa iv kinshukah.” Today is Saraswati Pooja. Everyone wants the grace of Maa Shaarada. When Wagdevee is pleased, ordinary person tops. When she is angry, all efforts become fruitless and the person becomes unsuccessful. Sometimes she fulfills the wishes by her negative action.
In TretaaYug Ram took birth as king Dashrath’s son. Among four brothers he was the eldest and most capable to be the king. When Dashrath became old, he wanted to make Ram his heir. Every preparation was ready to make Ram the king, the next day. Gods became anxious. After prayers, Lord Vishnu had agreed to come on the earth as Dasrath’s son. The main mission was to send Ram in the forest and kill Ravan, the king of Lanka (now a day Shrilanka). Ravan was great terror of the world. All famous gods were his prisoners. He had snatched the powers of gods. Giants were enjoying gods’ share. Sages were unable to perform recitations of God’s name and penance due to his disturbance. Gods were doing servants’ job in his palace. They went to Lord Vishnu and prayed for long. Lord became pleased and asked them to ask, they wanted. Gods narrated the whole story about the anarchic actions of Ravan. Vishnu assured to come on the earth as a son of king Dasrath. With Ram, his companions Lakshaman, Bharat, Shatrughna became his brothers. So many other friends took birth in Ayodhya and at different other places, to enjoy the company of Lord at different times and places. Gods also took birth as monkeys like Hanumaan, Sugreev, Angad; as bear like Jambbaan and as birds like Jataayu, Sampaatee, Garur, Kakbhushundee etc. Ravan (king of Lanka) kidnapped Sita (Ram’s consort). Ram with the help of monkeys, bears and birds attacked Lanka and killed Ravan with his armies and notorious giants Kumbhakarna, Meghnad, Mareech, subahu etc. He made Vibheeshan (Ravan’s brother) the king of Lanka. He was a pious man and devotee of Ram. He always prohibited his brother from doing illegal acts.
When gods saw the preparation of making Ram the king, they became anxious. They ran to Bhagvati Saraswati for help. Saraswati sat on the tongue of Manthara, the maid servant of queen Kaykeyee. Manthara taught Kaykeyee and reminded the word of king Dasrath. Dasrath had promised to fulfill her two wishes she wanted when she saved his life in the war between gods and giants. Kaykeyee begged to make his son Bharat the king of Ayodhya and send Ram to forest for fourteen years. Thus the mission of gods was fulfilled.
There are several other occasions when gods have utilized Maan Saraswati for their purposes. Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Bibheeshan performed tough penance. Lord Brahma appeared before them and offered them to ask for anything they wanted. Ravan begged not to be killed by any specie except human being and monkeys whom they daily ate and it was beyond dignity to beg such a futile request. At the end of Mahaabhaarat war when all his great warriors were killed, Duryodhan fled and hid himself in a pond. Pandavs started to search and shouted and abused him saying coward's son. This pinched him too much. He came out and told that he was alone while they were many. Yudhisthir offered to fight with anybody he liked and further told that they would be his servants if he won. This made Lord Krishna a bit anxious but he took the help of Bagdevi. Only Bheem was superior in club fighting. Duryodhan could defeat everyone in club fight except Bheem. Had he chosen someone else, he would have won and the scene would havebeen changed. But it was beyond dignity to fight with inferior. Moreover Lord Krishna aroused his ego. He chose to fight with Bheem. Bheem killed him with the help of proxy by Krishna and violating the rules of club fighting. Bibheeshan begged devotion of god. Now, it was the turn of Kumbhkaran. He was very strong with giant body. He wanted to beg six months awakening and one day sleep. Gods were afraid of his intention. They prayed Maan Saraswati. Maan sat on his tongue. His tongue slipped. He begged just reverse of what he wanted. He begged to sleep six months and to awake one day. Gods became pleased.
“Vidwatwan cha nripatwan cha, naivtulyokadaachana; swadeshepoojyateraajaa, vidwaansarvatrapoojyate.” Knowledge is always heavier over wealth and power. The latter two can be achieved by the first, but the first cannot be achieved by the two. Lakshami follows Saraswati. About Lakshami, it is called that she never stays at one place. But she can be made stable if one worships Maan Shaardaa. One should never hanker after money. It will automatically come when one worships Shaardaa and makes her pleased. Always give good education to your children. “Poot kapoot to kaa dhansanchay, poot sapoot to kaa dhansanchay.” If your son has not got education, he will spoil all the wealth you have earned. He will be fraud, drinker, cheat, criminal and prostitute. Perversely, if he has got better education, don’t be anxious about him. He will be capable for his maintenance.------Jay maan Shaarde.
In TretaaYug Ram took birth as king Dashrath’s son. Among four brothers he was the eldest and most capable to be the king. When Dashrath became old, he wanted to make Ram his heir. Every preparation was ready to make Ram the king, the next day. Gods became anxious. After prayers, Lord Vishnu had agreed to come on the earth as Dasrath’s son. The main mission was to send Ram in the forest and kill Ravan, the king of Lanka (now a day Shrilanka). Ravan was great terror of the world. All famous gods were his prisoners. He had snatched the powers of gods. Giants were enjoying gods’ share. Sages were unable to perform recitations of God’s name and penance due to his disturbance. Gods were doing servants’ job in his palace. They went to Lord Vishnu and prayed for long. Lord became pleased and asked them to ask, they wanted. Gods narrated the whole story about the anarchic actions of Ravan. Vishnu assured to come on the earth as a son of king Dasrath. With Ram, his companions Lakshaman, Bharat, Shatrughna became his brothers. So many other friends took birth in Ayodhya and at different other places, to enjoy the company of Lord at different times and places. Gods also took birth as monkeys like Hanumaan, Sugreev, Angad; as bear like Jambbaan and as birds like Jataayu, Sampaatee, Garur, Kakbhushundee etc. Ravan (king of Lanka) kidnapped Sita (Ram’s consort). Ram with the help of monkeys, bears and birds attacked Lanka and killed Ravan with his armies and notorious giants Kumbhakarna, Meghnad, Mareech, subahu etc. He made Vibheeshan (Ravan’s brother) the king of Lanka. He was a pious man and devotee of Ram. He always prohibited his brother from doing illegal acts.
When gods saw the preparation of making Ram the king, they became anxious. They ran to Bhagvati Saraswati for help. Saraswati sat on the tongue of Manthara, the maid servant of queen Kaykeyee. Manthara taught Kaykeyee and reminded the word of king Dasrath. Dasrath had promised to fulfill her two wishes she wanted when she saved his life in the war between gods and giants. Kaykeyee begged to make his son Bharat the king of Ayodhya and send Ram to forest for fourteen years. Thus the mission of gods was fulfilled.
There are several other occasions when gods have utilized Maan Saraswati for their purposes. Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Bibheeshan performed tough penance. Lord Brahma appeared before them and offered them to ask for anything they wanted. Ravan begged not to be killed by any specie except human being and monkeys whom they daily ate and it was beyond dignity to beg such a futile request. At the end of Mahaabhaarat war when all his great warriors were killed, Duryodhan fled and hid himself in a pond. Pandavs started to search and shouted and abused him saying coward's son. This pinched him too much. He came out and told that he was alone while they were many. Yudhisthir offered to fight with anybody he liked and further told that they would be his servants if he won. This made Lord Krishna a bit anxious but he took the help of Bagdevi. Only Bheem was superior in club fighting. Duryodhan could defeat everyone in club fight except Bheem. Had he chosen someone else, he would have won and the scene would havebeen changed. But it was beyond dignity to fight with inferior. Moreover Lord Krishna aroused his ego. He chose to fight with Bheem. Bheem killed him with the help of proxy by Krishna and violating the rules of club fighting. Bibheeshan begged devotion of god. Now, it was the turn of Kumbhkaran. He was very strong with giant body. He wanted to beg six months awakening and one day sleep. Gods were afraid of his intention. They prayed Maan Saraswati. Maan sat on his tongue. His tongue slipped. He begged just reverse of what he wanted. He begged to sleep six months and to awake one day. Gods became pleased.
“Vidwatwan cha nripatwan cha, naivtulyokadaachana; swadeshepoojyateraajaa, vidwaansarvatrapoojyate.” Knowledge is always heavier over wealth and power. The latter two can be achieved by the first, but the first cannot be achieved by the two. Lakshami follows Saraswati. About Lakshami, it is called that she never stays at one place. But she can be made stable if one worships Maan Shaardaa. One should never hanker after money. It will automatically come when one worships Shaardaa and makes her pleased. Always give good education to your children. “Poot kapoot to kaa dhansanchay, poot sapoot to kaa dhansanchay.” If your son has not got education, he will spoil all the wealth you have earned. He will be fraud, drinker, cheat, criminal and prostitute. Perversely, if he has got better education, don’t be anxious about him. He will be capable for his maintenance.------Jay maan Shaarde.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
DURGA POOJA
To-day is Kalash Sthapan, the first day of Durga Pooja festival. We perform the festival in different manners. Some establish earthen statues, someone kalash (a metallic or earthen jar wrapped with new red or yellow cloth filled with water, small sticks of mango having green leaves, coins etc.), some worship permanent statues and some recite Durga-Saptashati before the photo of Mata Durga. Some keep fasting in the day and take pure rice, pulse and vegetables at night. Some spend the ten days on fruits only. In village Bhalni Jaybhadra Baba spends ten days on only one lota (metallic round pot of different volumes) bhang (a kind of village drink made by mixing powder of bhang plant and sugar with water which is narcotic). In most of the places, we perform group pooja. In villages, pooja is celebrated with great devotion. Dance and music are essential. In some places filmy dancers and musicians perform.
The description of Bhagvati Durga is in the book Durga-Saptashatee. Due to seven hundred shlokas it is sapta (seven) shatee (shat-hundred in Sanskrit). There are three characters in Durga Sptashati. They are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshami and Maha Saraswati. The goddess of first character is Maha Kali. In the first character, two giants Madhu and Kaitabh take birth from the ear-dirt of Lord Vishnu. God Brahma (the god of creation) lives on the navel- lotus of Vishnu. Vishnu was in deep sleep on Sheshnag bed. Madhu and Kaitav saw Brahma and became ready to kill him. Brahma saw the giants and became afraid because Vishnu was sleeping. Brahma started to pray goddess of sleep who had captured Lord Vishnu. This very goddess is the root of creation, protection (taming) and destruction of the world. She is the energy of Lord by which He runs the universe. Being pleased with the prayer she appeared before Brahma. Brahma begged to awake The Lord. Bhagvati drew her forces from Bhagvan’s organs. Bhagvan awoke. He saw frightened Brahma and proud two thunderous giants. He understood the situation. Wrestling started between Bhagvan and the two giants. The wrestling continued till five thousand years. Bhagvati hypnotized the giants. They told Bhagvan that they were pleased with him and he could demand what he wanted. Bhagvan asked them to be killed by him. Now they were bound to their words. Finding themselves trapped in their words, they thought a rescue solution. Seeing only water all around, they told Bhagvan to kill on dry land. Bhagvan took them on his thighs and cut their heads by his Sudarshan Chakra.
The second character’s goddess is Maha Lakshami. In ancient time, there became a very big battle between gods and giants. The giant’s leader was Mahishasur and god’s leader was Indra. In the battle, gods were defeated. Mahishasur sat on Indra’s chair. Defeated gods went to Bhagvan Shankar and Vishnu, in the leadership of god Brahma. They told them the whole story of the strength of Mahishasur and their defeat in detail. They said, “Mahishasur has snatched the power of all gods and has turned them out from the heaven. They all are moving on the earth like men. We have come to you to make way to kill him. Bhagvan Vishnu and Shiva became very angry. A light came out of Vishnu’s mouth. In the same way, lights came out of all gods’ bodies and became one. The collected energy seemed like the burning mountain. It took the shape of a woman who lighted the whole universe by her rays.
The different organs of the woman were made by the energies of different gods- [Mouth from Shankar, hairs in the head from Yamraj, hands from Vishnu, breasts from Moon, waist from Indra, thighs from Varun, buttock from Earth, feet from Brahma, fingers of feet from Sun, hands’ fingers from Vasu, nose from kuber, teeth from Prajapati, three eyes from Agni (god of fire), eye brows from Sandhya and ears from the energy of Wayu (god of wind)]. Thus the graceful Devi appeared by the rays of all gods.
The tortured gods by Mahishasur became very pleased seeing the Devi. All gods gave their weapons to the Devi. Shankar Shool, Vishnu Chakra, Varun Shankh, Agni shakti, Vaayu Dhanush (bow) and two arrow boxes filled with arrows, thousand eyed king of gods Indra Vajra and a Ghantaa (bell) of the elephant Airaavat, Yamraaj Dand, Varun Pash, Prajaapati Sphatik Maalaa (garland), Brahma Kamandal and all other gods gave weapons and ornaments produced by their originals. Bhagvatee thundered loudly repeatedly. The whole universe began to shake. Gods became pleased and wished the goddess’s victory. Great saints prayed Bhagvati politely with great devotion. Mahishasur heard the thunderous sound and asked angrily what that was happening. Surrounded by giants, he ran towards the great sound and saw Bhagvati who was lighting the whole world by her halo. The earth was being pressed by the weight of her feet. A line was being drawn in the sky by her crown. The seven underground lands were amazed from the sound of her bow. After a while, battle was started between her and the giants. The army chief of Mahishasur,Chikshur started fighting with the goddess. His other famous warriors Chaamar, Udagra, Mahaahanu, Asilomaa (one whose furs are sharp like swords), Bashkal, Pariwarit (parito waryati shatroon), Bidaal etc with their infinite armies started fighting. Mahishaasur himself surrounded by crores thousands chariots’, elephants’ and horses’ armies was standing in the battlefield. The goddess cut all the projected weapons on her like children’s play. There was no sign of exhaustion on her face. Gods and sages prayed and the goddess poured weapons on the giants. Goddess’s lion, waving its hairs of the neck, also started to move in the giant’s army like fire in the forest. By the breathing of the goddess, infinite warriors were produced. They started fighting with the giants and destroyed them. The army chief Chikshur started fighting with the goddess with full zeal but he was killed by the spear. The lion killed Chaamar. Udagra was killed by stone and trees and Karaal by teeth-biting, fist and slaps. Uddhat was killed by club. Devi killed Washkal by Vindipaal and Taamra and Andhak by arrows. The three-eyed goddess killed Ugrasya, Ugraveerya and Mahaahanu by trishool. She cut Bidaal’s head by sword. Durdhar and Durmukh were killed by arrows. Seeing the mass destruction of his armies, Mahishaasur changed himself into a buffalo. He started destroying the goddess’s warriors attacking by horns, tale, hooves and muffle. By his breathing, hundreds of mountains flew in the sky and began to fall. He, in a very angry mood, ran towards her. Seeing this, she became angrier and trapped the giant in a net. Being trapped, he took the form of a lion. When she tried to cut his head, he took the appearance of a man having sword in the hand. Goddess rained arrows and clouded the man having sword and shield. He took the shape of a huge elephant. It started to drag the lion by its trunk and began thunderous sound (bawl). The goddess cut its trunk by her sword while it was dragging the lion. It again took the form of a buffalo and began to terrify the world as before. The World’s Mother began to take the best quality of heavenly drink and making her eyes red, laughed. The giant roared and began to throw huge stones on Bhagvati Maan. Maataa powdered the stones by her arrows and spoke to the giant, “O foolish! Roar repeatedly, while I am drinking. When I will kill you, the gods will roar soon”. Saying thus, she jumped on the giant. Pressing him with her feet, she hit his neck with the spear. Though it was pressed, it began to come out from its mouth in another man’s form. Now, when only half body had come out, Maataa stopped its growth by her effect. Only half growth man started to fight with Bhagvati. Maataa cut its head. The giant’s army fled crying. All gods became cheerful. Gods with divine sages prayed the universe mother. Gods prayed in so many shlokas which is mentioned in fourth chapter of Durgaa Saptashati. Being pleased with the gods, Maan appeared and blessed them to ask anything they liked. Gods begged to reappear whenever they prayed her. Goddess agreed. She blessed to reappear when Shumbh and Nishumbh would terrorize the whole universe. After saying this she disappeared.
This may be symbolic. Goodness when collectively fight always wins the giant evils. The third character will be described latter on.----------contd.
The description of Bhagvati Durga is in the book Durga-Saptashatee. Due to seven hundred shlokas it is sapta (seven) shatee (shat-hundred in Sanskrit). There are three characters in Durga Sptashati. They are Maha Kali, Maha Lakshami and Maha Saraswati. The goddess of first character is Maha Kali. In the first character, two giants Madhu and Kaitabh take birth from the ear-dirt of Lord Vishnu. God Brahma (the god of creation) lives on the navel- lotus of Vishnu. Vishnu was in deep sleep on Sheshnag bed. Madhu and Kaitav saw Brahma and became ready to kill him. Brahma saw the giants and became afraid because Vishnu was sleeping. Brahma started to pray goddess of sleep who had captured Lord Vishnu. This very goddess is the root of creation, protection (taming) and destruction of the world. She is the energy of Lord by which He runs the universe. Being pleased with the prayer she appeared before Brahma. Brahma begged to awake The Lord. Bhagvati drew her forces from Bhagvan’s organs. Bhagvan awoke. He saw frightened Brahma and proud two thunderous giants. He understood the situation. Wrestling started between Bhagvan and the two giants. The wrestling continued till five thousand years. Bhagvati hypnotized the giants. They told Bhagvan that they were pleased with him and he could demand what he wanted. Bhagvan asked them to be killed by him. Now they were bound to their words. Finding themselves trapped in their words, they thought a rescue solution. Seeing only water all around, they told Bhagvan to kill on dry land. Bhagvan took them on his thighs and cut their heads by his Sudarshan Chakra.
The second character’s goddess is Maha Lakshami. In ancient time, there became a very big battle between gods and giants. The giant’s leader was Mahishasur and god’s leader was Indra. In the battle, gods were defeated. Mahishasur sat on Indra’s chair. Defeated gods went to Bhagvan Shankar and Vishnu, in the leadership of god Brahma. They told them the whole story of the strength of Mahishasur and their defeat in detail. They said, “Mahishasur has snatched the power of all gods and has turned them out from the heaven. They all are moving on the earth like men. We have come to you to make way to kill him. Bhagvan Vishnu and Shiva became very angry. A light came out of Vishnu’s mouth. In the same way, lights came out of all gods’ bodies and became one. The collected energy seemed like the burning mountain. It took the shape of a woman who lighted the whole universe by her rays.
The different organs of the woman were made by the energies of different gods- [Mouth from Shankar, hairs in the head from Yamraj, hands from Vishnu, breasts from Moon, waist from Indra, thighs from Varun, buttock from Earth, feet from Brahma, fingers of feet from Sun, hands’ fingers from Vasu, nose from kuber, teeth from Prajapati, three eyes from Agni (god of fire), eye brows from Sandhya and ears from the energy of Wayu (god of wind)]. Thus the graceful Devi appeared by the rays of all gods.
The tortured gods by Mahishasur became very pleased seeing the Devi. All gods gave their weapons to the Devi. Shankar Shool, Vishnu Chakra, Varun Shankh, Agni shakti, Vaayu Dhanush (bow) and two arrow boxes filled with arrows, thousand eyed king of gods Indra Vajra and a Ghantaa (bell) of the elephant Airaavat, Yamraaj Dand, Varun Pash, Prajaapati Sphatik Maalaa (garland), Brahma Kamandal and all other gods gave weapons and ornaments produced by their originals. Bhagvatee thundered loudly repeatedly. The whole universe began to shake. Gods became pleased and wished the goddess’s victory. Great saints prayed Bhagvati politely with great devotion. Mahishasur heard the thunderous sound and asked angrily what that was happening. Surrounded by giants, he ran towards the great sound and saw Bhagvati who was lighting the whole world by her halo. The earth was being pressed by the weight of her feet. A line was being drawn in the sky by her crown. The seven underground lands were amazed from the sound of her bow. After a while, battle was started between her and the giants. The army chief of Mahishasur,Chikshur started fighting with the goddess. His other famous warriors Chaamar, Udagra, Mahaahanu, Asilomaa (one whose furs are sharp like swords), Bashkal, Pariwarit (parito waryati shatroon), Bidaal etc with their infinite armies started fighting. Mahishaasur himself surrounded by crores thousands chariots’, elephants’ and horses’ armies was standing in the battlefield. The goddess cut all the projected weapons on her like children’s play. There was no sign of exhaustion on her face. Gods and sages prayed and the goddess poured weapons on the giants. Goddess’s lion, waving its hairs of the neck, also started to move in the giant’s army like fire in the forest. By the breathing of the goddess, infinite warriors were produced. They started fighting with the giants and destroyed them. The army chief Chikshur started fighting with the goddess with full zeal but he was killed by the spear. The lion killed Chaamar. Udagra was killed by stone and trees and Karaal by teeth-biting, fist and slaps. Uddhat was killed by club. Devi killed Washkal by Vindipaal and Taamra and Andhak by arrows. The three-eyed goddess killed Ugrasya, Ugraveerya and Mahaahanu by trishool. She cut Bidaal’s head by sword. Durdhar and Durmukh were killed by arrows. Seeing the mass destruction of his armies, Mahishaasur changed himself into a buffalo. He started destroying the goddess’s warriors attacking by horns, tale, hooves and muffle. By his breathing, hundreds of mountains flew in the sky and began to fall. He, in a very angry mood, ran towards her. Seeing this, she became angrier and trapped the giant in a net. Being trapped, he took the form of a lion. When she tried to cut his head, he took the appearance of a man having sword in the hand. Goddess rained arrows and clouded the man having sword and shield. He took the shape of a huge elephant. It started to drag the lion by its trunk and began thunderous sound (bawl). The goddess cut its trunk by her sword while it was dragging the lion. It again took the form of a buffalo and began to terrify the world as before. The World’s Mother began to take the best quality of heavenly drink and making her eyes red, laughed. The giant roared and began to throw huge stones on Bhagvati Maan. Maataa powdered the stones by her arrows and spoke to the giant, “O foolish! Roar repeatedly, while I am drinking. When I will kill you, the gods will roar soon”. Saying thus, she jumped on the giant. Pressing him with her feet, she hit his neck with the spear. Though it was pressed, it began to come out from its mouth in another man’s form. Now, when only half body had come out, Maataa stopped its growth by her effect. Only half growth man started to fight with Bhagvati. Maataa cut its head. The giant’s army fled crying. All gods became cheerful. Gods with divine sages prayed the universe mother. Gods prayed in so many shlokas which is mentioned in fourth chapter of Durgaa Saptashati. Being pleased with the gods, Maan appeared and blessed them to ask anything they liked. Gods begged to reappear whenever they prayed her. Goddess agreed. She blessed to reappear when Shumbh and Nishumbh would terrorize the whole universe. After saying this she disappeared.
This may be symbolic. Goodness when collectively fight always wins the giant evils. The third character will be described latter on.----------contd.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)